Noradrenergic terminal density varies among different groups of hypoglossal premotor neurons.

•Norepinephrine (NE) is a major wake-related excitatory modulator of motoneurons.•NE also controls premotor pathways with as yet unknown patterns.•We counted NE terminals closely apposed to hypoglossal premotor neurons.•NE terminal counts differed among anatomically distinct premotor groups.•NE differentially innervates premotor neurons related to different tongue functions.